Are Banana Peels Better Wrinkle Reducers Than Botox?

In an effort to avoid more invasive therapies such as Botox, people have become rather creative with natural alternatives for reducing wrinkles. From coconut oil, to facial yoga, to jade rolling — the list continues to grow for natural ways to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. However, the latest viral TikTok beauty trend has people using the inside of ripe banana peels on their faces in an effort to reduce wrinkles. Still, just because the trend has accumulated over 81 million views with many saying they've noticed a difference, this doesn't necessarily mean there is a guarantee it will work for you.

The banana peel trend, also known as "natural Botox", is so appealing because it is cheaper, all-natural, and less invasive than the alternative. So, if you are afraid of needles, then considering banana peels for reducing wrinkles may be something you could benefit from. But before you run to the store for a bunch of ripe bananas, here's everything you should know about the natural Botox trend taking over TikTok.

Before we get into the why and how, it's important to talk about doing your own research on viral beauty trends. It can't be stressed enough that you should research everything you are putting on your body or ingesting. Always look up the ingredients, instructions, and why the trend has become popular before trying anything new. This is especially true if the trend originated from social media platforms, rather than a trusted source such as a dermatologist. Some hacks may not be safe for you to try, so it's always best to take that extra step for your safety.

In the case of banana peels, it's a good idea to test a small patch of skin before you apply the banana to a whole area on your face. According to Medical News Today, patch testing involves applying a small amount of the product on a part of your skin such as the back of the hand to test for any allergic reactions or irritations from the product. In the case of the banana peel, rub a tiny bit of the inner side of the peel on the back of your hand. If you notice any rashes, itching, burning, redness, or swelling you should definitely skip using banana peels on your skin. When in doubt, speak to a dermatologist if you are unsure whether this beauty hack is safe for you to try on your skin.

So, what makes the inside of banana peels so popular as an alternative to Botox? Banana peels are actually high in silicon and vitamins A and C, so they help to increase skin's strength and tone (via Yahoo). Silicon especially is ideal for collagen production and contains enzymes that serve to boost skin elasticity. This is why so many people have noticed that the inside of a ripe banana peel improves their skin tone — helping it feel firmer and smoother.

Another beauty trend that has gained popularity involves using bananas to make a simple face mask. Because bananas are so high in many vitamins and antioxidants, they help the skin stay smooth, firm, and hydrated. Healthline tells us to use a ripe banana, which you can then mash together with honey, small amounts of lemon juice, avocados, or yogurt. Mix in a little water in order to create the right texture for a mask. Be sure to do a patch test before applying the mask to your entire face. Apply the mask to a clean face and leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to rinse well and pat your face dry.

After you've tested your skin to make sure you don't have any reactions to banana peels, it's time to make some comparisons. While it sounds great to just rub the inside of a banana peel on your face and watch your wrinkles disappear, it's not that simple. Dermatology resident Dr. Taylor Bullock told Cleveland Clinic that there isn't any scientific evidence to suggest banana peels actually work at reducing wrinkles. Dr. Bullock does go on to say that you're better off applying an antioxidant-rich product specifically designed for the skin.

Argan oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin C serum are all examples of products high in antioxidants that can help decrease inflammation while helping to even out skin pigmentation. Dr. Bullock likes to recommend vitamin C serum to his patients as a favorite among the antioxidants out there. You can find a number of vitamin C products on the market that have anti-aging effects on the skin. So, while there is still no scientific data stating that banana peels actually reduce wrinkles similar to Botox, many people would argue they do help improve skin tone on a temporary basis.

Don't feel bad if the thought of rubbing the inside of a banana peel on your skin sounds too messy to try. There are a ton of alternatives out there that harness the power of the banana without all the squishy mess. Ulta sells a natural banana face mask with banana fruit extract used to soothe and refresh the skin. You can also find banana face serums, lotions, and oils from a variety of beauty stores that use natural banana extract for smoother, firmer skin.

Another hot trend in the beauty section is banana powder, which adds a bright and smooth look to the face. Made with processed bananas, it's meant to be applied after foundation and concealer. Banana powder is great because it blots up facial oil and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. Much like using banana masks or serum to increase elasticity in the skin — banana powder is another great option to brighten up the face if you aren't sure about using banana peels quite yet.